Finding a car that’s both affordable and dependable can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While luxury vehicles and heavy-duty trucks often boast longevity, their high price tags put them out of reach for many. However, owning a reliable car without breaking the bank is absolutely achievable. Many smaller, more economical cars are built to last, offering years of dependable service without constant repairs.
10. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Rating: 76/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $29,330 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
Sports cars aren’t typically synonymous with reliability, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata defies expectations. Starting under $30,000, this iconic convertible offers thrilling driving dynamics and surprising long-term dependability.
Mazda has maintained the Miata’s reliability by avoiding complex technologies like turbochargers and dual-clutch transmissions. Looking back to the 2019 model year, recalls are scarce, with one issue being a software problem in the automatic transmission. For the most reliable and engaging experience, the manual transmission is the recommended choice.
Consumer Reports ranked Mazda as the seventh most reliable automaker out of 30 in the past year. The MX-5 Miata stands out as a fun, reliable sports car option that won’t lead to expensive repair bills, making it a surprisingly cheap reliable car in the sports car category.
9. 2025 Toyota RAV4
Rating: 80/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $28,850 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
While a new Toyota RAV4 LE starts at $28,850, lightly used models offer even greater value, making it a strong contender in the cheap reliable cars category. Like the Corolla, the base RAV4 uses a dependable naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, providing ample power (203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque) for daily driving.
The RAV4 has a strong track record with minimal recalls in recent years. While its interior may not be as plush as some competitors, it’s durable and built to last. Consumer Reports also highlights the excellent reliability of RAV4 Hybrids, with the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid being exceptionally reliable. Whether new or slightly used, the Toyota RAV4 represents a practical and cheap reliable car choice for families and individuals alike.
8. 2025 Honda Civic
Rating: 82/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $24,250 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft |
The Honda Civic, with its “great” quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power and a starting price of $24,250, is an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a cheap reliable car. Its reputation for excellent build quality and long-term dependability is well-earned. While some Honda Civic generations are better than others, the Civic nameplate consistently represents sensible and reliable transportation.
The base Civic features a proven naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. Even the more powerful turbocharged engine option is known for its reliability. Honda consistently ranks high in reliability surveys, with Consumer Reports placing Honda among the top five most reliable brands in 2023. The Honda Civic is a standout cheap reliable car, offering both value and peace of mind.
7. 2022 Honda CR-V
Rating: 82/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Used Price | $22,000-$35,000 |
| Engine | 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft |
The Honda CR-V, while not topping reliability charts, is widely recognized for its longevity, making it a solid choice for a cheap reliable car, especially when considering used models. Studies, like one from iSeeCars, indicate the CR-V is among the compact crossovers most likely to reach 250,000 miles and beyond.
Honda’s renowned build quality and the CR-V’s history of minimal recalls further solidify its reliability. While a brand-new 2025 CR-V might exceed our budget, slightly used models, particularly from the previous generation, can be found for under $30,000, and even older models are even more affordable. Honda’s strong brand reliability, as consistently noted by Consumer Reports, reinforces the CR-V as a dependable and cheap reliable car option in the used market.
6. 2025 Toyota Corolla
Rating: 83/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $22,175 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft |
The Toyota Corolla is practically synonymous with automotive reliability. Starting at a very affordable $22,175 for the standard model and $23,625 for the Hybrid LE, the Corolla is a definitive cheap reliable car. The gas-powered model prioritizes simplicity and dependability with its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
The current Corolla generation, introduced in 2018, avoids overly complex technologies, further enhancing its reliability. Between 2021 and 2024, recalls have been minimal, primarily related to airbags and none concerning mechanical issues. Toyota’s brand reliability is consistently ranked at the top, with Consumer Reports placing only Lexus above Toyota. The 2025 model year maintains this reliability, ensuring the Corolla remains a top choice for a cheap reliable car that offers lasting value.
5. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Rating: 83/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25,695 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft |
Subaru vehicles are known for their robustness and ability to handle adventurous lifestyles, and the Crosstrek stands out as one of the most accessible and cheap reliable cars in their lineup, starting just over $25,000. The base 2.0-liter Boxer engine provides adequate power (152 hp), but a more powerful 2.5-liter engine (182 hp) is available for a slight price increase in 2025 and is a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking more performance.
Consumer Reports ranked Subaru just behind Honda in reliability in 2023, and the Crosstrek boasts an impressive 83/100 quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power. RepairPal further reinforces the Crosstrek’s reliability, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 rating, noting lower than average ownership costs and a low likelihood of severe repairs. The Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and cheap reliable car perfect for those seeking adventure without sacrificing dependability.
4. 2025 Kia Soul
Rating: 86/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $20,290 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
The Kia Soul is a cheerful and practical subcompact crossover that offers a lot to like, particularly its affordability and reliability. Starting just slightly above the Kia Forte, the base Soul shares the Forte’s dependable 2.0-liter engine and nearly matches its excellent reliability rating. While not a performance vehicle, the Soul provides safe and dependable transportation with ample cargo space, making it a great cheap reliable car for city dwellers and beyond.
Although the 2025 Soul has experienced a few recalls, they are not expected to compromise its long-term reliability. Kia’s industry-leading warranty provides added peace of mind, ensuring a trouble-free ownership experience. The Kia Soul is a quirky, practical, and cheap reliable car that delivers on its promises.
3. 2022 Hyundai Accent
Rating: 87/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $15,000-$20,500 |
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 122 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft |
Despite being discontinued after the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Accent remains a standout cheap reliable car, boasting an impressive 87/100 J.D. Power quality and reliability rating. As a budget-focused sedan, the Accent utilizes a simple yet robust 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, prioritizing reliability over outright power. Running costs are notably low, making it an economical choice.
Used Hyundai Accents, often found for under $15,000 with low mileage, represent exceptional value. A well-maintained two or three-year-old Accent still offers significant lifespan and reliability. For those seeking simply a dependable and cheap vehicle, the Hyundai Accent is an excellent option in the used car market.
2. 2021 Nissan Frontier
Rating: 87/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting price range | $20,500-$31,500 |
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
While a redesigned Nissan Frontier debuted for 2022 with strong reliability ratings, it’s the previous generation D40 Frontier that stands out as an exceptionally cheap reliable car for long-term ownership. Sold in the US for over 15 years, the D40 Frontier had ample time to refine its reliability.
Its lack of modern features actually contributed to its dependability, making it easier to maintain and repair. The last iterations of this generation achieved a remarkable 87/100 quality and reliability score. The V6 engines were robust, but the four-cylinder models were legendary, with one owner famously reaching a million miles on the original clutch lasting over 800,000 miles.
Alongside the Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier is known for its durability and resilience. Used examples in the low $20,000 range are readily available, making the 2021 Nissan Frontier a supremely cheap reliable car and truck option.
1. 2024 Kia Forte GT
Rating: 89/100
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24,690 |
| Engine | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft |
Despite the shrinking sedan market, the Kia Forte remains a popular choice, selling nearly 124,000 units last year, proving its appeal as a cheap reliable car. While the Forte is discontinued for 2025, many 2024 models are still available, and the Forte GT model is particularly appealing, offering 201 horsepower and an available six-speed manual transmission at an affordable price.
According to J.D. Power, the Kia Forte’s 89/100 quality and reliability rating surpasses the Civic and Corolla, leading the compact car segment. Kia’s exceptional ten-year/100,000-mile warranty further ensures a trouble-free ownership experience. The only potential concern, theft vulnerability, has been addressed by Kia with effective fixes. The 2024 Kia Forte GT stands out as the top cheap reliable car on this list, combining performance, value, and exceptional dependability.
Honorable Mentions
For those willing to invest a bit more or consider older used vehicles, the following models are renowned for reaching or exceeding 250,000 miles with proper maintenance:
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Sequoia
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Honda Accord
- Honda Ridgeline
- Hyundai Elantra
- Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Ram 2500
- Subaru Outback
- Acura MDX
- Lexus LS
Sources: Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, Honda
